The Bicentennial & The Railroads

Drew Jacksich photo at Soda Springs on Donner Pass

In the years leading up to the United States' 200th anniversary, the railroad
industry had been gearing up to play a major role in the approaching Bicentennial. The singlest
biggest event of the multi-year celebration was the American Freedom Train (AFT), and the railroads
were ready to be active participants in the planning. There were rail routes to evaluate,
facilities to assess, equipment to gather, modifications and fit-ups to coordinate, and support
systems to make ready.

In addition to the AFT of 1975/76, there was a second lesser known train called the Preamble
Express. It's purpose was to explore in 1974 the proposed Freedom Train route and determine
feasibility and facility requirements. Two custom-painted diesels were selected to haul the
Preamble train:

Delaware & Hudson U23B #2312 had the honor in the eastern U.S. and part of the midwest

Union Pacific E9A #951 was on point the remainder of the preamble's tour

The American Freedom Train, which departed the Eastern U.S. in the Spring of 1975 was led by
steam-driven locomotives for most of the AFT tour. The steam engines had been carefully selected
for the duty, and they included: